“Leaves has been my go-to candle scent since I can remember. I love it so much that I tend to keep a few in my pantry to use year-round. I usually light the candle when I’m feeling extra stressed to remind myself of all the good things in life: Autumn, crunchy leaves, pumpkin spice lattes. Yes, these things make me happy even if it’s 100 degrees in NYC.” —Marilyn L., 29
Highly Recommend
09.18.23
09.18.23
12 Scented Candles Stressed Out People Really Love
A great scent goes a long way.
When you’re feeling stressed, a little indulgence goes a long way. Enter candles—one of our favorite ways to set the (hopefully better) mood, tap into our senses, and ground ourselves in the present. They’re like a trip to the spa without all the bank account aftershock. But with so many options out there (and the internet’s lack of scratch and sniff capabilities), it can be difficult to know just which ones to add to cart. So we asked stressed-out folks with great taste to tell us about the best candles in their self-care routines. Grab your favorite restaurant matches and check out their top picks for de-stressing, below.
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“This became my favorite candle after both my boyfriend and a close family friend bought it for me in the span of one week—that’s fate or something, right? Inspired by old world bay rum from the Caribbean, the spicy-sweet scent is especially great on cold weather days when your mood is low and you’re longing to be somewhere far away from your desk.” —Jessica S., 32
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“The perfect transition from summer to fall, this candle combines the best of both seasons. It has the nostalgic scent of watching a sunset on the beach with a hint of pumpkin without going full Hocus Pocus. It gives off a fresh fragrance without being overwhelming which is something I look for when selecting candles for my home.” —Jordan Fink, 33
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4.Boy Smells“It’s always a treat for me to light my Boy Smells Cowboy Kush candle. The fragrance is woodsy (which I love) yet very original and tugs on my hometown heartstrings being that I am from Texas. I’ve restocked it multiple times now, and it never gets old.” —Michelle Wainwright, 31
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“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought this candle and gifted it to pretty much everyone in my life. Apparently it has notes of cedar and wild fern, but the best way I can describe it is a cozy, warm scent that makes you feel like you’re in someone’s sophisticated, dimly lit library with big leather chairs and a fireplace. It’s the perfect fall or winter scent, and lighting it always makes me feel like I’m having an intentional, cozy night in. Also, the quote on the jar is a great reminder.” —Casey G., 34
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“This candle (which you can get for different stadiums) evokes cherished memories of times when my grandpa, dad, and I shared moments at the same ballpark, immersing us in deep nostalgia. It’s a rare privilege to say that three distinct generations share a bond—a scent that truly unites us. From WWII to Watergate to Covid, the unwavering constant has been our shared affection for the ballpark and the emotions it stirs.” —Jonathon Glucksman, 34
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“Like everyone else in Brooklyn, I love the smell of palo santo, but lighting it regularly gets messy (my hands seem to leave a trail of black ash behind). I discovered this candle dupe at a vintage shop and quickly became hooked—it smells just like the real thing and comes in a chic minimalist jar that I love. I burn through so many of these once the temperatures drop.” —Anna L., 28
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8.Amazon“This candle is a great substitute for when I’m thinking of reaching for a third (or fourth!) cup of coffee, but my anxiety is literally screaming at me to dial back the caffeine intake. Instead of reaching for my espresso machine, I light this candle and it immediately fills my office with the sweet coffee smell I crave.” —Jordan Fink, 33
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9.Snif“I’ve tried a ridiculous amount of candles over the years and this is easily one of my faves. Not only does it smell amazing (the brand describes it as herby and warm) but I love the message—it always reminds me to put my phone down, get some sunlight, and recharge.” —Rebekah F., 35
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10.Amazon“I first bought this candle in a boutique in Ocean Grove, NJ and it immediately gave me the urge to buy and decorate a whole beach house in this exact decor. The hand-blown candle jar is gorgeous and the smell is clean and refreshing—the perfect thing to burn during your Sunday reset or when you’re having friends over. I gifted one to my mom a week ago and she’s somehow almost already burned through it and has another in her cart. Meanwhile, I’m sad mine is almost gone but I’m so excited to repurpose this jar for something else.” —Casey G., 34
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11.Amazon“I need my candles to not just smell good but look good too. I love the ceramic jar this one comes in, and the smoky-meets-sweet scent (it has notes of orange, cinnamon, patchouli, and sandalwood) is super soothing on days when I need to chill out.” —Maria R., 30
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“I’m a sucker for a candle that smells like something I can eat, and I always come back to this Milk and Sugar candle that makes my whole apartment smell like fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies. I recently started lighting it right before I meditate to help me tap into a different sense besides sight and sound while I’m attempting to clear my head.” —Claire S., 29
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
